Leiden student housing policy reforms introduce central listings, house profiles and code of conduct

Housing corporation DUWO and tenant organisations (WijWonen, BRES, VBU, De Eerste Kamer and Duwoners) have agreed on three pillars for a new student‑housing policy in Leiden. The plan calls for centrally advertised vacant rooms via ROOM.nl, detailed house‑profile pages so applicants know the type of house they are applying for, and a behaviour code for the hospitering process.

A major point of contention is the introduction of a pre‑selection system. Under the proposal, DUWO will invite a limited number of applicants (about fifteen) to a hospiterring evening, aiming to increase transparency and equal chances. Student‑housing advocates, including the Students for Leiden group and council member Robbin Engel, argue this could curb houses’ freedom to choose suitable new housemates, especially in houses with specific community compositions. Engel said, “We do not yet know whether this will be based on registration time, a lottery or other criteria,” and warned that “it concerns both the applicant and the existing residents.”

Political parties (SVL, D66, CDA, VVD, ChristenUnie) attempted to preserve this freedom through a motion, but it was not adopted. Further discussions on the pre‑selection details are scheduled after the summer.